Atlantic Islands Explorer
Atlantic Islands Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
For those travellers who enjoy getting off the beaten track, this is the ultimate island adventure taking in a bucket list of stunning destinations, starting with Saint Helena – one of the remotest places on earth and now reached via a weekly flight from South Africa.
The tropical island of Saint Helena, secluded in the Atlantic Ocean, offers a pristine paradise steeped in history. Despite its remote location, recent accessibility has opened it to tourism. Visitors can trace the paths of famous figures like Darwin and Napoleon, exploring its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, including rare bird species and the famed Jonathan, a 190-year-old giant tortoise. Saint Helena's rich history, from Boer prisoners to Napoleon's exile, adds depth to its allure. During our week on the island, we will uncover Saint Helena’s extraordinary sights and natural wonders.
The next leg of our trip takes us back to South Africa, from where we fly north to the Angolan capital, Luanda. On this occasion our stop will be short – just overnight to make a connection, but now that the country has relaxed its visa requirements, you may be tempted to return. A short flight takes us to our next destination, São Tomé and Príncipe, a remote archipelago off the coast of central Africa that few people have even heard of, let alone been to. On our tour we explore the Portuguese colonial heritage of the islands by staying in a restored plantation house, walk through unspoiled forests in the interior and relax on pristine beaches. Explore a truly undiscovered destination.
We return to mainland Africa, and continue to Dakar, Senegal’s bustling capital where we will have time to immerse ourselves in the slave history at Goree Island before the final part of our trip takes us to another former Portuguese colony, the Cape Verde Islands. After a couple of nights on the island of Santiago and a chance to explore UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, the country’s oldest settlement, we end our Atlantic adventure with a few days on São Vicente, home to some of Cape Verde's greatest musicians, writers, and thinkers.
Join your fellow intrepid travellers as we discover some of the least visited destinations on the planet.
Tour Highlights
• The ultimate island adventure taking in a bucket list of stunning destinations, starting with the British overseas territory of Saint Helena – one of the remotest places on earth and now reached via a weekly flight from South Africa.
• Trace the paths of Saint Helena’s famous figures like Darwin and Napoleon, explore rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, including rare bird species, and meet the famed Jonathan, a 190-year-old giant tortoise.
• Discover São Tomé and Príncipe, a remote archipelago off the coast of central Africa that few people have even heard of, let alone been to. Uncover a largely undiscovered, uniquely rewarding, exciting blend of African and Portuguese cultures.
• Stopover in Dakar, Senegal’s bustling capital where you will have time to immerse yourself in the slave history at Goree Island.
• Relax and unwind in the Cape Verde Islands and spend a few new nights on the island of São Vicente, home to some of the country’s greatest musicians, writers, and thinkers.
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
5/5
Culture
4/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
3/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg
As we get ready to embark on our unique adventure, we will meet as a group in Johannesburg, South Africa, from where the next morning we will take the weekly flight to our first stop, Saint Helena Island, an incredible destination few people can boast that they have visited. Our accommodation for the night will be at an airport hotel conveniently located just 500m from the terminal and with a free shuttle for the short journey. Meet your Undiscovered Destinations’ tour leader for a briefing, welcome drinks, and dinner at the hotel. Overnight Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport. (D)
Day 2: Johannesburg to Saint Helena
After an early breakfast we will take the hotel’s shuttle to the terminal in time for check-in of our Airlink flight to Saint Helena, which enroute includes a refuelling stop in Walvis Bay, Namibia. Including the stop the flight will take about 6.5hrs and we will land at Saint Helena’s airport which opened in 2017 at around 1.30pm local time. We will be met on arrival and transferred the 10 miles from the airport located on the eastern side of the island to our hotel in Jamestown on the northern and leeward side of the island. Check-in at our centrally located hotel and our home for the next 7 nights. This afternoon, if time allows, we will meet our local guide and enjoy a walk through the island’s capital, Jamestown and discover the stories that this historically rich Georgian styled town has to offer. Visit the Castle with its tropical gardens, St James Church (the oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere), the famous Jacob’s ladder which ascends 699 steps above the town and the Court House. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (B)
Saint Helena
Saint Helena Island, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, holds a storied history that stretches back centuries. Discovered in 1502 by Portuguese navigator João da Nova, it later became a vital outpost for ships traveling between Europe and the East Indies. Renowned for being the remote exile site of Napoleon Bonaparte from 1815 until his death in 1821, the island played a crucial role in shaping world history. Its rugged terrain and isolated location posed challenges for settlers, yet its fertile valleys supported agriculture and sustenance for inhabitants. Over time, Saint Helena developed a unique culture blending European, African, and Asian influences. Despite its small size and isolation, it became strategically important during the British Empire's expansion, serving as a key naval base and provisioning station. Today, Saint Helena remains an intriguing destination, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural landscapes beyond its renowned beaches.
The Mantis Hotel, Jamestown
Mantis St Helena is a 30-bedroom boutique hotel set in the original East India Company's officers' barracks built in 1774. The hotel boasts a large restaurant, cocktail bar, guest lounge and two spacious outdoor terraces. Offering newly built contemporary rooms, the Mantis has set a new accommodation standard on the island. Situated in the capital Jamestown, a few minutes’ walk from the sea front, museum, archives, shops, bars, restaurants, and transport links, the Mantis is the perfect choice for our week’s stay on the island.
Please note that the hotel does not have any lifts (elevators). However, a small number of rooms can be accessed without the need to use stairs. Please contact us at the time of booking if you have any accessibility needs so these can be discussed in advance with the hotel.
It should be noted that contrary to some reports that you may read online the hotel does accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards. However, American Express is not accepted.
Day 3: Saint Helena – Boat Cruise
After breakfast we will take a boat cruise off the island, where we expect to see large schools of Bottlenose and Rough-Toothed dolphins as well as turtles and Devil Rays. From the boat we will have a scenic view of the Island's coastline and we can see some of the old fortifications and outposts that are still standing. Return to port for lunch at a local seafront coffee shop before heading back to our hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 4: Saint Helena – Island Tour
After breakfast we will be collected for a full day tour including a packed lunch. Discover the island by 4x4 vehicle or depending on group size, by minibus. Stop at Deadwood Plain which was the campsite of Boer prisoners of war during the Anglo Boer War of 1900-1902, then to Flagg Staff which gives us wonderful panoramic views across the island. Later we visit Levelwood, home to the Bell Stone – a rock which when struck rings like a bell. We wind our way to the southwest point of the island for incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean, which stretches unbroken for 2,700 kilometers in every direction. Learn about and see the island’s natural and historical attractions along the way. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 5: Saint Helena – Plantation House
This morning a private tour of the Governor’s residence, Plantation House, awaits. Built in 1792, it has been the home to the island’s governors. Perhaps an even more famous inhabitant though is Jonathan, a giant tortoise who approaching 200 years old, lives in the grounds and is said to be the world’s oldest living land animal. After a packed lunch we visit St Paul’s Cathedral, High Knoll Fort, and the Boer War cemetery before returning to the hotel. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 6: Saint Helena – Free Day
Today is at leisure to explore at your own pace. Highly recommended is the very well curated Museum of Saint Helena which not only traces the varied history of the island, but also has artefacts from the number of wrecks that dot the coastline over the last 500 years. You may also like to book another optional boat cruise, or swim in the Atlantic – or in the large public swimming pool that sits near the harbour and is a great place to meet local islanders. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (B)
Day 7: Saint Helena – Hike to Blue Point
After breakfast we will set off for a hike to Blue Point which offers coastal views over Sandy Bay beach and Lots Wife ponds area as well as the rolling countryside of Blue Hill. Enjoy a packed lunch whilst out hiking. In the afternoon visit one of the island’s coffee plantations to view how one of the world’s rarest coffees is grown and processed, before returning to the hotel. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Notes
The hike to Blue Point will normally take around two hours from the start point and return. There are some relatively minor up and down sections involved, but compared to other hikes on the island it is less strenuous and can comfortably be completed by most travellers of moderate fitness. If you have any concerns these can be discussed locally.
Day 8: Saint Helena – Longwood House
This morning, we will visit Longwood House, which is one of the best Napoleonic museums in the world. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Saint Helena in 1815 and died on the island 6 years later. After a packed lunch we will visit the Millennium Forest where we can contribute to restoring the island’s endemic forest by planting an endemic tree. Return to our hotel for our final night on Saint Helena. Overnight Mantis St Helena. (BL)
Day 9: Saint Helena to Johannesburg
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before we are transferred back to the island’s airport for our return Airlink flight to Johannesburg. Unlike our flight over, the return journey does not require a refuelling stop, so is non-stop and takes just under 5 hours. Our accommodation for the night will be at the same airport which we will reach using the shuttle service. Overnight Southern Sun O.R. Tambo International Airport. (B)
Day 10: Johannesburg to Luanda, Angola
Enjoy a relaxing morning before we head back to the airport and check-in for our afternoon flight to the Angolan capital, Luanda. Although Angola is well worth a visit in its own right, on this occasion we will make just an overnight stop, in order to continue the next day to our next destination São Tomé and Príncipe. On arrival in Luanda, we will clear immigration and customs before taking a transfer to our centrally located hotel. Overnight InterContinental Luanda Miramar or similar. (B)
Day 11: Luanda to São Tomé and Príncipe
After an early breakfast we will go back to the airport and check-in for our morning flight to São Tomé. Upon arrival we will be met at the airport and transferred to our centrally located hotel. After check-in and time to freshen up we will join our local guide for a tour of the capital, often referred to as São Tomé town. Later we will enjoy a welcome dinner and presentation about our 6 night stay in the country. Overnight Omali Lodge. (BD)
São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Central Africa, is a tropical paradise steeped in history and natural beauty. Discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, it became a hub for sugarcane and cocoa production during the colonial era, leaving behind a legacy of plantation architecture and diverse cultural influences. The islands' lush rainforests offer opportunities for trekking, where adventurers can explore hidden waterfalls, endemic flora, and diverse wildlife, including rare bird species. São Tomé, the larger island, is home to bustling markets, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant Afro-Portuguese culture. Príncipe, its smaller counterpart, boasts pristine beaches, volcanic peaks, and sleepy fishing villages, providing a tranquil escape from the modern world. Today, São Tomé and Príncipe charm visitors with their laid-back atmosphere, rich biodiversity, and the warmth of their welcoming people.
Day 12: São Tomé North Road Excursion
After breakfast we will meet our guide and set off to discover the northern part of São Tomé Island on a full day excursion including lunch. Stops will include the Francisco Cabral Plantation where we learn about the process of making chocolate from cocoa beans. We continue our excursion with a visit to the Roça Agostinho Neto plantation, known for its hospital building and historic train tracks. Later we will have the chance to take a refreshing swim at Tamarindos beach before we stop for a traditional lunch at Roça Monte Forte for an authentic experience and where the speciality is giant crab. After lunch we then drive the scenic "infinity road" to Santa Catarina tunnel, where a hidden Indian figure awaits, before making our final stop in time for sunset at Blue Lagoon. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight Omali Lodge. (BL)
Day 13: Roça Monte Café and flight to Príncipe
After breakfast we will check out of our hotel and visit Jardim Botânico or botanical garden, where we can see various species of plants, many with medicinal uses. Then we head to Monte Café, the most pleasant roça to visit. A hillside village of plantation houses, it offers a small museum and formal tour of the coffee production process (the arabica variety grows well at this 600m altitude). Later we have lunch in town before a transfer to the airport for our short flight to the island of Príncipe. Upon arrival we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for a two night stay. Overnight Roça Sundy. (BLD)
Day 14: Príncipe
Enjoy a full day on the island where we will enjoy an excursion arranged by the roça. In the evening, we will take dinner at the roça. (BD)
Please note that lunch is not included on this day.
Day 15: Príncipe to São Tomé
We enjoy a morning activity arranged by the roça and later we take the short flight back to São Tomé where we are met on arrival and transferred to our hotel for a two night stay. Overnight Omali Lodge. (B)
Day 16: São Tomé East Coast
After breakfast we will leave the hotel for a full day excursion of the eastern coast of the island. Our first stops will be the Boca do Inferno (also known as Hell's Mouth) - a natural blowhole, followed by Roça Água Ize – a former hospital built in 1928. Then we will have a fine lunch at Roça São João dos Angolares, prepared by the well-known chef João Carlos Silva. After lunch we will visit the Pico Cão Grande (or big dog peak), a needle-shaped volcanic plug peak, before time permitting, making our final stop of the day at Micondo Beach. Return to the hotel by late afternoon. Overnight Omali Lodge. (BL)
Day 17: São Tomé and Príncipe to Dakar, Senegal
To reach our next and final island destination, Cape Verde, will require a return to the African continent, and travel through Dakar, Senegal. We start our day with an early breakfast, then a transfer to the airport for a flight to the Togolese capital, Lome, which is becoming an increasingly important hub for flight connections across Africa. After a couple of hours in transit and without the need to clear Togolese immigration or to reclaim our luggage, we continue to Dakar, arriving in the late afternoon. We have scheduled a three night stay in the Senegalese capital which will give us time to appreciate the country’s history and its connection to the salve trade. It also allows for an important buffer should unforeseen changes to flight schedules have an impact on our planned itinerary. Upon arrival in Dakar, we will be transferred to our centrally located hotel where we will have dinner. Overnight Pullman Dakar Teranga or similar (BD)
Day 18: Excursion to Lac Rose
After a relaxing morning, we will meet out local guide and head to Lac Rose, or Pink Lake, about a one hour drive from Dakar and famous for the pink colour of its waters. Separated from the Atlantic Ocean by sand dunes, we visit the lake by off-road vehicles, and see the manual extraction of salt, before stopping at one of the local Fulani villages. During the tour we will have the option to swim in the lake where everything floats thanks to its high salinity. Return to Dakar by late afternoon and in time for dinner at our hotel. Overnight Pullman Dakar Teranga or similar (BD)
*If you wish to swim in the lake, please bring your swimwear and a towel.
Day 19: Dakar City Tour including Gorée Island
After breakfast we meet our local guide and set off for a full day tour of Dakar including lunch. We visit the city’s key places of interest including the Marche Kermel, a buzzling local market selling a range of fish and vegetables, the Cathedrale du Souvenir Africain de Dakar, the Mosque of the Divinity and the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine – a 52m high bronze station and a symbol of a family union. Our last visit of the day, and the most poignant, is to Gorée Island and the La Maison des Esclaves, a museum where we will learn about the transatlantic slavery trade. Dinner at our hotel. Overnight Pullman Dakar Teranga or similar (BLD)
Day 20: Dakar to Praia, Cape Verde
Most of today will be at leisure until mid-afternoon when we are transferred to the airport, for a flight to our final destination, the Cape Verde Islands. Our arrival point is Praia, the capital and located on the island of Santiago. We expect to arrive at around 9pm and will be met and transferred to our hotel for a two night stay. Overnight Hotel Pestana Tropico or similar. (B)
Cape Verde
The Cape Verde Islands, including Santiago and São Vicente, boast a rich tapestry of history, culture, and music. Santiago, the largest island, showcases remnants of Portuguese colonial influence alongside vibrant Creole traditions. Its capital, Praia, is a hub of cultural exchange. Meanwhile, São Vicente, with its capital Mindelo, is renowned for its music scene, particularly the captivating rhythms of morna and coladeira. These islands are steeped in the legacy of African, Portuguese, and Caribbean heritage, evident in their cuisine, festivals, and architecture, making them a fascinating destination for those seeking a blend of diverse cultures and musical experiences.
Day 21: Santiago Island
After breakfast we meet our local guide and set off on a full day tour to see the highlights of the largest island of the archipelago. Visits will include Cidade Velha, the first settlement of Cabo Verde, and nowadays a UNESCO world heritage site. We continue through the inland with stops for photos to Assomada, the country’s second biggest city. After having crossed the Serra Malagueta mountain range we will reach the fishing town of Tarrafal, where will stop lunch. After lunch we visit the Tarrafal concentration camp which was used between 1938 and 1974 to capture Portuguese revolutionaries and independence fighters of the then colony. Afterwards we drive back to Praia via the east coast. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner with live music. Overnight Hotel Pestana Tropico or similar. (BLD)
Day 22: Praia to São Vicente
After breakfast (subject to serving times) we are transferred to the airport for an early morning flight to São Vicente, followed by a transfer to our hotel in the musical capital of Cape Verde – Mindelo. After check-in and time to freshen up, we visit an indigenous guitar manufacturer and learn how the instruments are made, followed by an impromptu musical performance. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with live music. Overnight Hotel Ouril Mindelo or similar. (BD)
Day 23: São Vicente Island Tour
After breakfast we meet our local guide and set off for a 5 to 6 hour tour to explore the highlights of the island. Along the way we will stop for lunch in the village of Calhau before heading back to Mindelo, in time to freshen-up before taking dinner in our hotel. Overnight Hotel Ouril Mindelo or similar. (BLD)
Day 24: São Vicente Free Day
Our last day of the tour has been set-aside to unwind and to relax. Or if you prefer, then there is the option to make a day trip to the neighbouring island of Santo Antão, a good destination for walking. Contact us for further details including prices for a guided tour which we would recommend booking in advance. Overnight Hotel Ouril Mindelo or similar. (B)
Day 25: São Vicente Departure
Today the tour ends after check-out from the hotel. A transfer to the airport will be provided to coincide with your international departure. For those returning to the UK or Europe, TAP Air Portugal offers a daily direct flight to Lisbon leaving in the afternoon, which connects the same day for London. (B)
Please note that the hotel’s check-out time is 12pm. A later check-out can be requested locally although charges may apply. After check-out the hotel will be happy to store your luggage and with their agreement, you can continue to use the pool and changing facilities.
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Minibus, or similar vehicle for guided excursions and tours
All international and domestic flights as shown in the itinerary, including a checked-in luggage allowance of 20k
All accommodation
Experienced local guide for all excursions and tours
Services of an English-speaking tour leader - applicable for groups of 5 or more travellers (groups of less than 5 will travel unescorted between each island)
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D - Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tour Exclusions
International flights to Johannesburg and from São Vicente. Contact us for a quote and expert advice
Any airport taxes (except when included with regional flights)
Travel Insurance
Visa - when required
Drinks
Items of personal nature
Tips (Discretionary)
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to any of the countries that we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals do not require a visa for a short term tourism visit to South Africa.
At the time of writing British, US and Australian nationals require an entry permit to visit Saint Helena. Please follow this link for further details and to make an application - https://evisa.sainthelena.gov.sh/.
At the time of writing British, and US nationals do not require a visa for a short term tourism visit to Angola, Senegal, São Tomé and Principe and Cape Verde. Australian nationals will require a visa for each of these countries with the exception on Angola.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance. Contact details can be found by visiting the following websites.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destinations nearest embassy or consulate
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most of our destinations, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month you maybe advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent may also be recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
